The Salon

Luxurious spa retreat Ragdale Hall is 40 years old - and there’s barely a wrinkle in sight, as you’d expect of a leading light in rejuvenating treatments.

There have been plenty of changes, though, says a spokeswoman for the Leicestershire beauty mecca.

“Our 40th Anniversary as a spa has given us the opportunity to look back at the way we were,” says a spokeswoman. “In those days, Lycra crop tops were a must-have for exercise classes, big perms were in and you’d often find guests horse-riding in the grounds as there were stables here.

“The treatments menu has changed dramatically too. The latest ‘Created by Ragdale’ menu of not-to-be-found-anywhere-else treatments now includes the crystal wand massage designed to combine the benefits of crystal healing and more traditional massage, the Avocado Lemon Reviver, which leaves your skin glowing and healthy and tensions eased, Milk and Honey Body Glow Flotation, a bath of coconut milk and honey and Caribbean Fruit Wrap, super exotic fruits that naturally hydrate and soothe tired skin whilst you are suspended in the dry flotation.”

Holistic therapies include Colour Reading, a technique which teaches clients about the significance of colour energy in their life, and the latest facial goes deep with a clarisonic brush cleanse. One of the most luxurious treatments available is the new Golden Touch, which begins with a full body exfoliation using a gold shimmering cane sugar scrub with caviar extracts.

The long and the short of it

The pixie crop is autumn’s hottest - or should that be coolest - new hair style.

But hair extensions will never go out of fashion, says leading Sheffield hair stylist Conrad Blandford.

“That’s because our hair grows just a centimetre each month,” he says. Women who yearn for long, lustrous-looking hair get impatient, and some don’t have the type of hair that will remain strong and supple as it gets longer, he explains.

“They turn to hair extensions. We believe the best results are from 100 per cent human hair extensions and for that reason, we use the Racoon hair system,” says Conrad, whose salon is based on Ecclesall Road. “

Racoon’s award-winning hair extensions are not only the best on the market but the bonding is also the kindest to the hair, quick to remove and leaves no trace of residue.

“It is designed to thicken thin and fine hair and add length and body to shorter styles.”

Prices range from £100 to £500 depending on thickness and length required and is confirmed following a hair consultation, which should be done at least two working days before the appointment.

To feature your hair or beauty salon in this column, email your news to Jo.Davison@thestar.co.uk